Optical data storage accessing apparatus

Abstract

An optical data storage accessing apparatus which includes a first light projecting unit including a laser diode for projecting data recording light onto a data storage medium, a second light projecting unit for projecting data recording light onto the data storage medium, and a light receiving unit. The light receiving unit receives the data reading light after it is reflected by the data storage medium to read data recorded on the data storage medium. An optical unit joins the data recording light and the data reading light and separates data reading light reflected from the data storage medium from the data recording light.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An optical data storage accessing apparatus for optically reading and recording data on a data storage medium which is moved relative to said apparatus, said apparatus comprising: (A) first light beam generating means including a laser diode for generating a data recording light beam and for propagating said data recording light beam along a first optical axis;   (B) second light beam generating means for generating a data reading light beam and for propagating said data reading light beam along a second optical axis, wherein said second light beam generating means includes a light source comprising a light emitting diode;   (C) a polarization beam splitter and a condensing lens, said polarization beam splitter being located on said first and second axes so as to receive said data recording and data reading light beams, said condensing lens being located between said polarization beam splitter and said data storage medium, said polarization beam splitter and said condensing lens being arranged with respect to said data storage medium and said first and second optical axes so as to: (1) direct said data recording light beam from said first optical axis, along a third optical axis, and onto said data storage medium, and thereby record said data on said data storage medium;   (2) direct said data reading light beam from said second optical axis, along a fourth optical axis, and onto said data storage medium, such that a reflected data reading light beam is propagated away from said data storage medium and toward said polarization beam splitter along a fifth optical axis, said fifth optical axis being different from said fourth optical axis, said third optical axis being located between said fourth and fifth optical axes; and   (3) direct said reflected data reading light beam away from said polarization beam splitter along a sixth optical axis, wherein said second and sixth optical axes are parallel;     (D) a light detecting means for detecting said reflected data reading light beam and for thereby reading said data; and   (E) a reflecting mirror for reflecting said reflected data reading light beam onto said light detecting means, wherein said reflecting mirror is located on said sixth optical axis and is not located on said second optical axis; and   wherein said apparatus further comprises a second condensing lens for condensing said reflected data reading light beam onto said light detecting means.   
     
     
       2. The apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said first and third optical axes are located on a common line.